The Shields Gazette have reported this morning that Jonjo Shelvey WILL miss Saturday’s crucial clash with Southampton at St James’ Park, stating the midfielder will be out for ‘at least’ two weeks as NUFC await to hear the full extent of his knee injury.

As stated last week, Shelvey picked up a knock in a collision with Martin Dubravka during the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth. The club are still waiting to see what scans have to say, but the Gazette claim that he has already been ruled out of Saturday’s game with the Saints.

Not the news we wanted to hear ahead of one our biggest games of the season to date, however this will put the emphasis on Mikel Merino to step up and improve on his lacklustre display at Liverpool.

Fortunately we’ll be without a game for 3 weeks following Saturday’s match, giving the likes of Shelvey and Slimani plenty time to fully recover, but points are precious and we need 3 this weekend.

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